Department for Transport

Aviation: Exhaust Emissions

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of whether the aviation sector is on track to achieve Jet Zero without the Government intervening to incentivise change.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Jet Zero Strategy commits the aviation sector to achieving net zero UK aviation emissions by 2050 – or “Jet Zero” - and sets out a clear framework for how the sector will decarbonise. Through the Strategy, we have introduced an in-sector CO2 emissions reduction trajectory from 2025 to 2050, against which we will monitor the sector’s progress on an annual basis from 2025. As with all sectors, there is a key role for Government, alongside industry, in helping to deliver the change to end carbon emissions.

Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: Immunosuppression

Baroness Altmann: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the decision by regulatory authorities in the United States of America to disallow further use of the Evusheld monoclonal antibody product; and what steps they will take to ensure appropriate prophylaxis and treatment against COVID-19 for vulnerable immunodeficient and immunocompromised patients.

Lord Markham: The Antivirals and Therapeutics Taskforce engages with other nations to share learning on the use, deployment and evaluation of therapeutics and antivirals. Evusheld (tixagevimab and cilgavimab) has a conditional marketing authorisation in the United Kingdom for the pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 and has been referred to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to make recommendations for the National Health Service on whether it should be routinely funded by the NHS based on an assessment of clinical and cost effectiveness. The final outcome of NICE’s evaluation on the use of Evusheld as a pre-exposure prophylactic treatment against COVID-19 is expected in April 2023.

Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access

Lord Warner: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the sustainability of a market cap model as used in the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access.

Lord Warner: To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to increasing medicine spending in line with the overall increase in NHS funding.

Lord Markham: As part of our preparations to negotiate with the pharmaceutical industry a mutually beneficial successor scheme to the current Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAS), the Government is considering all relevant issues such as the use of a cap on allowed sales. In the December 2022 consultation on the impact of changes to the Statutory Scheme for Branded Medicines, which included an associated Impact Assessment, we consulted on the scheme’s methodology which is based around ensuring we continue to control growth at a rate of 1.1% and maintain broad commercial equivalence with VPAS. The Department has received materials from the pharmaceutical industry, Trade Associations and from individual companies about a wide range of issues relevant to both the Voluntary and Statutory Schemes for branded medicines pricing. We will be considering this evidence over the coming weeks, and will publish our response alongside the final Impact Assessment. With regard to increasing medicine spend, the Secretary of State met with industry Trade Associations in 2022 and was clear that, whilst we cannot agree any change to the current scheme, the Government is open to ideas about how a successor to VPAS should operate from 2024 onwards and that we will work with industry to agree a successor scheme that supports better patient outcomes, ensures the sustainability of National Health Service spend on branded medicines, and enables a strong United Kingdom life sciences industry.

Infectious Diseases: Disease Control

The Earl of Leicester: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Markham on 5 December 2022 (HL3057), what assessment they have made of the Cochrane Review on Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses, published on 30 January 2023; and whether they will update their guidance on face coverings in response to those findings.

Lord Markham: The Government is aware of the Cochrane Review published on 30 January 2023, which concludes that there is uncertainty about whether wearing masks helps to slow the spread of respiratory viruses based on the studies assessed.The National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM), published on the National Health Service website in April 2022 in an online-only format and most recently updated in January 2023, is consistent with the recommendations in the Cochrane Review. The NIPCM is used by healthcare providers in all healthcare settings in England and is complemented by pathogen/disease specific guidance produced by the UK Health Security Agency.The NIPCM does not require patients or visitors to NHS settings to routinely wear a face mask. However, there are some circumstances where it is recommended by a local risk assessment that patients and visitors to care settings wear masks, for example, where patients are at high risk of infection due to immunosuppression.

Hospitals: Discharges

Lord Porter of Spalding: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with local authorities regarding the £250 million of funding allocated to speed up hospital discharge.

Lord Markham: The Minister of State for Social Care (MS(C)) (Helen Whately MP), and Department officials engage regularly with local authorities (LAs) and their representative organisations. This has included calls hosted by MS(C) and Lee Rowley MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The Chief Executives and Directors of Adult Social Services of all LAs were invited to these calls to discuss the latest situation on hospital discharge into adult social care; and to share insights on the challenges facing different local authorities and how these challenges are being addressed. This has included discussions of the funding where relevant.

School Leaving: Carers

Lord Jackson of Peterborough: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support school leavers who have ongoing caring responsibilities for parents, guardians or siblings.

Lord Markham: The Care Act 2014 places a duty on local authorities to assess young carers before they turn 18, so that they have the information they need to plan for their future. Local authorities must conduct a transition assessment for a young carer where it appears that the carer is likely to have needs for support after they turn 18 and where they think that there would be ‘significant benefit’ to the carer in carrying out the assessment.

Department for Education

Out-of-School Education

Lord Davies of Brixton: To ask His Majesty's Government when they will publish the outcome of their Understanding the use of unregistered alternative education provision consultation, which ran from 11 July 2022 to 30 September 2022.

Baroness Barran: The department recognises the need to strengthen protections for children and young people in unregistered alternative provision settings, so that every placement is safe and has clear oversight.To find the right solution, the department launched a call for evidence on the use of unregistered alternative provision. The call for evidence closed on 30 September 2022.The department has commissioned independent analysis of responses to this consultation, which will be published later this year.

T-levels: Finance

Lord Blunkett: To ask His Majesty's Government what evidence they used to determine the range of subjects in which Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) will be funded from 2025.

Baroness Barran: The approach the department has taken to determining the range of subjects that we will fund was informed by two public consultations and reflects our priority to ensure that as many students as possible benefit from world class A levels and T Levels.The range of subjects where the department will approve small alternative academic qualifications (AAQs) for funding (and which can be studied alongside A levels) will be focused on those that are strategically important (such as STEM subjects and those supporting the NHS), and those that are less well-served by A levels. Large AAQs (equivalent in size to at least 2 A levels) will be considered for public funding from 2026 in subjects where there are no T Levels; there is a need for a large qualification enabling entry to more specialist areas of higher education such as performing arts; and there is a clear and direct progression link into higher education.This is based on a range of evidence including departmental analysis of student outcomes and independent data sources such as research undertaken by the Nuffield Foundation and the Sixth Form Colleges Association. The detail of this evidence is set out in the department’s second stage consultation, and the subsequent government response and policy statement. Further details on the government’s response is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/review-of-post-16-qualifications-at-level-3-second-stage. This evidence shows that pupils who take programmes consisting of A levels alone generally have better earnings and employment outcomes than those pursuing non-A level or mixed programmes, after controlling for background characteristics.Additionally, reforms to level 2 qualifications, alongside the T Level transition programme and our work with providers to pilot an Academic Progression Programme, will enable students to work towards level 3 or enter skilled employment.

Out-of-School Education

Baroness Blower: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the 2022 School Census, how manychildren were placed in unregistered alternative provision by a local authority or a school for (1) any part of their education, (2) a majority of their education, or (3) all of their education.

Baroness Blower: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the2022 School Census, how many children (1) who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or (2) are classified as Children In Need, were placed in unregistered alternative provision for (a) any part of their education, (b) a majority of their education, or (c) all of their education.

Baroness Blower: To ask His Majesty's Government, in respect of informationgathered in the last School Census, how many children that were excluded from school were placed in an unregistered alternative provision for (1) any part of their education, (2) a majority of their education, or (3) all of their education.

Baroness Barran: The department collects information on pupils in local authority placements who are placed with unregistered providers in the alternative provision census and, since 2022, arrangements made by schools via the schools census.As of January 2022, there were 35,600 pupils in local authority placements, of which 2,800 were placements in unregistered providers. Data broken down by how many children were placed in these settings for any part of their education, a majority of their education, or all of their education is not available.

Qualifications

Lord Blunkett: To ask His Majesty's Government what was the average GCSE score for students in England studying (1) A levels, (2) Applied Generals, (3)a combination of A levels and Applied Generals, and (4) T levels, in the last year for which data are available.

Baroness Barran: ​​The average GCSE points of students that took A level examinations was 6.47. For those that took applied general examinations, it was 4.90, and for those that took both A level and applied general, it was 5.42. The number of students taking A levels was 284,380, the numbers taking applied general was 119,853, and the numbers that took both A level and applied general examinations was 61,024.​Figures are based on students at the end of 16 to 18 study in 2021/22 and derived from data underpinning the ‘A level and other 16 to 18 results’ statistical release. This statistical release is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/a-level-and-other-16-to-18-results-2022-revised.​Transparency data for T Levels was published on the first T Level results day on 18 August 2022. This is based on information reported to the Department through the manage T Level results service, but does not include data on student prior attainment at Key Stage 4. This data is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/t-level-results-academic-year-2021-to-2022-provisional.​​Attainment data for T Levels will be published for the 2023/24 cohort of students, the first year that T Levels will be included in school and college accountability measures.

Schools: Inspections

Baroness Wilcox of Newport: To ask His Majesty's Government how many schools that had previously been graded outstanding have, not having been inspected for five years or more, been downgraded since full Ofsted inspections resumed in September 2021.

Baroness Barran: This is a matter for His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman. I have asked her to write to the noble Lady directly and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Vocational Education: Qualifications

Lord Watson of Invergowrie: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take toincrease the transparency of the process to assess whether an applied general qualification overlaps with a T level, including the rationale for the decisions reached.

Baroness Barran: Qualifications reform is being undertaken in three phases. Phase 1 removed around 5,500 qualifications because they had low or no publicly funded enrolments.Phase 2 relates to the assessment of qualifications that overlap with T Levels. Qualifications are carefully assessed and considered against three tests:Is it a technical qualification, in that it primarily aims to support entry to employment in a specific occupational area(s)?Are the outcomes that must be attained by a person taking the qualification similar to those set out in a standard covered by a T Level?Does the qualification aim to support entry to the same occupation(s) as a T Level?The process we have used to identify overlapping qualifications is rigorous and has been led by evidence such as individual qualification specifications. Independent assessors were commissioned to conduct in-depth evaluations of the qualifications in scope and the outcomes of the process were moderated for consistency.For the Wave 1 and 2 T Level overlap process, the department published a provisional list, and put in place an appeals process to give awarding organisations who did not feel we have applied the criteria correctly an opportunity to provide evidence. We published our final Wave 1 and 2 T Level overlap list (excluding health and science in October 2022, and it is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/qualifications-that-overlap-with-t-levels.106 qualifications will cease to be publicly funded in August 2024. The department removed 26 qualifications from the provisional list due to a successful appeal. We will run a similar process for Wave 3 and 4 overlap, a provisional list will be published in spring 2023.The department postponed the publication of the list of qualifications that overlap with health and science T Levels, as these T Levels are under review by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. We will publish information related to the health and science qualifications that overlap with T Levels shortly.Phase 3 of qualifications reform will assess the qualifications remaining after phases 1 and 2. The department’s approach to the future landscape was published on 10 January 2023, and we consulted on these proposals in 2019 and 2020. The publication is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1128144/Guide_to_the_post-16_qualifications_landscape_at_level_3_and_below_for_2025_and_beyond.pdf.The department has been open and transparent about our intention that A Levels and T Levels should be at the heart of study programmes for 16 to 19-year-olds. The publication makes clear that large alternative academic qualifications may continue to be publicly funded in areas such as performing arts and sports, and that small alternative academic qualifications may continue to be funded in strategically important areas such as health and STEM. This process will remove further qualifications, including large Applied General qualifications. This strikes the right balance between ensuring sufficient choice for learners whilst ensuring that most students undertake world class A Levels and T Levels.

Pupils: Assessements

Baroness Wilcox of Newport: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessmentthey havemade of the number of applicationseach year for the pastfive years for re-sits and re-marks for(1) BTECs, (2) T Levels, (3) GCSEs, and (4) A Levels.

Baroness Barran: This is a matter for Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. I have asked its Chief Regulator, Dr Jo Saxton, to write to the noble Baroness and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Vocational Education: Qualifications

Lord Watson of Invergowrie: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to make changes to theprocess that assesses whether an applied general qualification overlaps with a T level, to ensure (1) provider, and (2) employer, involvement.

Baroness Barran: The department recognises the value that employers can bring to the design of qualifications, which is why we have included them in technical education reform.We have put employers at the heart of our technical education system. T Levels have been co-designed and developed with providers, employers and the government. Occupational standards are employer-led products designed to ensure occupational competence. We have used independent assessors in our process for assessing whether a qualification overlaps with a T Level, and this includes reviewing qualification specifications against employer-led occupational standards. As part of this rigorous process, all qualifications were assessed against 3 tests:Is it a technical qualification, in that it primarily aims to support entry to employment in a specific occupational area(s)?Are the outcomes that must be attained by a person taking the qualification similar to those set out in an employer led occupational standard covered by a T Level?Does the qualification aim to support entry to the same occupation(s) as a T Level?Only qualifications which met all 3 tests in relation were added to the overlap list.The department’s approach to the future landscape, published on 10 January 2023, and guidance for awarding organisations , available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/awarding-organisations-submitting-qualifications-for-approval, makes clear the technical qualifications that can be put forward for 16-19s in 3 broad areas:Technical occupational entry and technical occupational progression qualifications aimed at supporting entry into occupations or progress within a role covered by occupational standards and not covered in T Levels.Technical additional specialist qualifications that allow a student to develop additional knowledge and competencies and specialise within a sector. These qualifications will build on knowledge covered by a T Level or other occupational entry qualification.Technical cross-cutting qualifications that allow students to develop skills that are relevant across occupations.The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has set out clear criteria on their requirement for awarding organisations to involve employers in the design of technical qualifications. This criteria includes examples of acceptable evidence which might be provided to satisfy IfATE’s statutory employer demand test.This will build on the important work the department has already done to create world class T Levels, apprenticeships and higher technical qualifications by continuing to embed the principles of employer involvement and employer-led occupational standards at the heart of technical education.

Out-of-School Education

Lord Davies of Brixton: To ask His Majesty's Government howmany unregistered alternative providers in England provide full time education of over 18 hours per week to school-age pupils.

Baroness Barran: Any education setting which provides full-time provision to five or more pupils of compulsory school age (or one or more pupils of compulsory school age who is looked after or has an education, health and care (EHC) plan), is not maintained by a local authority and is not a non-maintained special school, is required to register with the department as an independent school. It is a criminal offence to conduct an independent school that is not registered.Any unregistered alternative provider which provided full-time education of over 18 hours per week to five or more children (or one or more children who are looked after or who have an EHC plan), may be operating unlawfully as an unregistered independent school. ​Since those conducting such a setting are committing a criminal offence, they do not generally inform the department about the school’s operation. It is not therefore possible to accurately estimate the number of unregistered alternative providers in England which are providing full-time education to school-age pupils.It is possible that some unregistered alternative providers are providing more than 18 hours per week to school-age pupils in ways which mean the setting is not operating as an unregistered independent school because, for instance, it caters for fewer than five pupils of compulsory school age. The department does not collect data at a provider level about unregistered providers.

Out-of-School Education

Lord Davies of Brixton: To ask His Majesty's Government howmany unregistered alternative education providers there are in England.

Lord Davies of Brixton: To ask His Majesty's Government howmany unique unregistered alternative providers have been commissioned by one or more local authorities to provide education placements for children in England.

Lord Davies of Brixton: To ask His Majesty's Government howmany unique unregistered alternative providers have been commissioned by schools, including academies and all other non-maintained schools, to provide education placements for children in England.

Lord Davies of Brixton: To ask His Majesty's Government what data they collecton the commissioning of unregistered alternative education providers by schools.

Baroness Barran: The department does not collect data on the number of unregistered alternative education providers. Data is collected in the alternative provision census on the placement of pupils by local authorities and, since 2022, arrangements made by schools. This data is collected via the schools census, including where a placement is with an unregistered alternative education provider. However, information on the provider is not collected and the number of unique providers cannot be derived.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Myanmar: International Assistance

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the change in humanitarian needs in Myanmar since 2021, and (2) the needs of children in that country; and what plans they have to increase their development assistance to Myanmar.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains strongly committed to helping those most in need in Myanmar and is responding to the drastic increase in humanitarian needs, including for children. The UK remains one of the leading donors. Since the 1st February 2021 coup, the UK has provided over £100m to support those in need of humanitarian assistance, to deliver healthcare and education for the most vulnerable, and to protect civic space. This includes supporting new born and child health and emergency referrals for pregnant mothers and children. We are also working closely with civil society and local organisations to help build the resilience of communities and the foundations for a more open, inclusive and democratic Myanmar.

Myanmar: Politics and Government

Lord Collins of Highbury: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking following theadoption of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2669 on the situation in Myanmar.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The first UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution on Myanmar, led by the UK, demands an end to violence and urges immediate action by the military regime to fully implement the ASEAN Five Point Consensus. The resolution requested the UN Secretary-General or his Special Envoy on Myanmar to provide an oral report to the UN Security Council (UNSC) by March. The meeting will take place in March. The resolution is an important step towards further UNSC scrutiny and action on the situation in Myanmar. We are working closely with our partners in New York to seize the momentum of this resolution.

Syria: Sanctions

Baroness Cox: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have plans to lift sanctions on Syria, given the recent earthquake.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK will continue to play a leading role in the humanitarian response in Syria, particularly following the earthquake in Syria and Turkey. On 8 February, the Government announced a substantial package of life saving support to affected areas.Sanctions play an indispensable role holding the Asad regime to account for their most egregious actions. We will not lift them until the regime has changed its behaviour. UK and UN trade sanctions do not target humanitarian activity, medical supplies or food: they provide for a range of humanitarian exceptions and licensing grounds specifically to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid. Russia and the regime have previously hindered cross-border aid access, which could compound the humanitarian impact of this earthquake.

Myanmar: Humanitarian Aid

Lord Collins of Highbury: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to increase their provision of humanitarian aid to the government of Myanmar; and what assessment they have made of the change in the needs of the population of that country since the military took control in 2021.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We remain strongly committed to helping those most in need in Myanmar. The UK remains one of the leading donors. Since the coup on 1st February 2021, the UK has provided over £100 million to support those in need of humanitarian assistance, to deliver healthcare and education for the most vulnerable, and to protect civic space. We are also working closely with civil society and local organisations to help build the resilience of communities and the foundations for a more open, inclusive and democratic Myanmar.

Myanmar: Sanctions

Lord Collins of Highbury: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking (1) to stop human rights violations, and (2) to ensure accountability, in Myanmar, following the sanctions introduced since the military took power in that country two years ago.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are clear that there must be accountability for atrocities committed in Myanmar. We condemn the ongoing serious human rights violations by the Myanmar military. We will continue to raise these issues on the international stage, including at the UN Security Council. We have established and funded the Myanmar Witness programme to collect and verify evidence of serious human rights violations and abuses.On 25 August 2022, the UK announced its intention to intervene in the International Court of Justice case regarding Myanmar's compliance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, in relation to acts committed against the Rohingya.

Myanmar: Armed Forces

Lord Collins of Highbury: To ask His Majesty's Government what analysis they have made ofrevenue flows to the Myanmar military; and what steps they are taking to stem those flows.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have led international efforts to reduce the military regime's access to revenue, arms and equipment. On 31 January we announced our fourteenth round of sanctions, targeting those who profit from the supply of aviation fuel to the Myanmar Air Force. Following the coup, we strengthened our overseas business risk guidance to ensure that UK businesses are doing thorough due diligence in Myanmar to avoid exposure to the military and its business interests.We continue to work with our partners to understand how we can take targeted and proportionate action to reduce the military's access to funds to facilitate its campaign of violence.

Iran: Nuclear Power

Baroness Deech: To ask His Majesty's Government whatassessment they have made of the effectiveness of continuing negotiations with the government of Iran regarding a nuclear deal, given (1) that country's past breaches of it, and (2) Iran's progress towards manufacturing nuclear bombs.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: After many months of negotiations, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) Coordinator tabled viable deals in March and again in August 2022 which would have returned Iran to full compliance with its JCPoA commitments and returned the US to the deal. Iran refused to seize a critical diplomatic opportunity to conclude the deal with continued demands beyond the scope of the JCPoA.Iran's actions over the past months have made progress towards a diplomatic solution much more difficult. We remain determined that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon. We are considering next steps with our international partners.

UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement

Lord Bowness: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have carried out a detailed study to assess whether the repeal or modification of any provision of retained EU law is incompatible with the 'level playing field' provisionsset out in Title XI of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: As set out by the Minister of State for Cabinet Office and the Department of Business and Trade Nusrat Ghani MP on 18 January 2023, the Government will as a priority take the action required to ensure that the necessary legislation is in place to uphold the UK's international obligations, including those in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Myanmar: Politics and Government

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they aretaking following the adoption of United Nations Security Resolution 2669 (2022) on the situation in Myanmar.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: On 21 December 2022, the UN Security Council (UNSC) passed the first ever resolution, which was led by the UK, on the situation in Myanmar. The resolution demands an end to violence and urges immediate action by the military regime to fully implement the ASEAN Five Point Consensus. The resolution also requested that the Secretary-General or his Special Envoy on Myanmar provide an oral report to the Council by 15 March 2023, I can confirm that this meeting will take place in March as planned. The resolution is an important first step towards further Council scrutiny of, and action on, the situation in Myanmar. We are working closely with our partners in New York to seize the momentum of this historic resolution.

Myanmar: Human Rights

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government, in addition to existing sanctions placed on Myanmar, what further steps they intend to take to stop human rights violations and to ensure accountability of those responsible for the military coup and the subsequent attacks on civilians.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is clear that there must be accountability for atrocities committed in Myanmar. We condemn the ongoing serious human rights violations by the Myanmar Armed Forces. We will continue to raise these issues on the international stage, including at the UN Security Council. We have established and funded the Myanmar Witness programme to collect and verify evidence of serious human rights violations and abuses. This evidence could be used in any future legal proceedings.On 25 August 2022, the UK announced its intention to intervene in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case regarding Myanmar's compliance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, in relation to acts committed against the Rohingya. The UK is currently working on the scope of its intervention, including detailed consideration of the legal arguments. It intends to make a formal declaration to the Court in due course.

Myanmar: Armed Forces

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government what analysisthey have made of the revenue flows to the Myanmar military; and what steps, if any, they are taking to stem these flows.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK has led international efforts to reduce the military regime's access to revenue, arms and equipment. This includes targeting the military regime's patronage network. On 31 January the UK announced our fourteenth round of sanctions, targeting those who profit from the supply of aviation fuel to the Myanmar Air Force. Following the coup, we strengthened our overseas business risk guidance to ensure that UK businesses are doing thorough due diligence in Myanmar to avoid exposure to the military and its business interests.We continue to work closely with our partners to understand how we can take targeted and proportionate action to reduce the military's access to funds to facilitate their campaign of violence.

Israel: Palestinians

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Foreign Secretary spoke to the US Secretary of State immediately before or after his visit to Jerusalem and Ramallah on 30–31 January; what discussions they have had with the government of the United States regarding initiatives to promote (1) peace in the region, and (2) a two-state solution; and what discussions, if any, they have had with the government of Israel to express opposition to (a) further settlement expansion, (b) moves towards annexation, (c) demolitions and evictions, and (d) changes to the status quo at holy sites.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We remain in close contact with international partners, including the US, to promote peace in the region and to de-escalate current tensions. We have a regular dialogue with the Israeli authorities on issues relating to the occupation, and regularly raise our clear opposition to settlement, evictions, demolitions and annexation. We want to see a contiguous West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as part of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, based on pre-1967 lines. The UK is also committed to working with all parties to uphold the Status Quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem to ensure the safety and the security of all who visit and worship there. I reinforced these messages in my meetings with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, and with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and Foreign Minister Riad Malki, during my visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on 10-13 January. Furthermore, the Foreign Secretary discussed the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories with the US Secretary of State during a call on 12 February.

Palestinians: Politics and Government

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the findings of the report by the International Crisis GroupManaging Palestine’s Looming Leadership Transition, published on 1 February; and what steps, if any, they have taken with international partners tocall for a democratic election process for President Abbas’ successor.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We regularly remind the Palestinian leadership of the need for democratic renewal through free and fair national elections held across the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem, as set out in the Oslo Accords. The report from International Crisis Group is well-researched and raises important questions about the ability of the Palestinian people's ability to enjoy their democratic rights. We do not necessarily agree with every recommendation in the report but we share the view that those who come to power through elections "enjoy the greatest possible degree of popular legitimacy".

Myanmar: Politics and Government

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of thecurrent political and security situation in Myanmar; and what steps, if any, they are taking to hold the military authorities in Myanmar to account, particularly in view of international concerns over war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK continues to condemn the military coup in Myanmar and the violence against the people of Myanmar. Since 1st February 2021, the UK has been at the forefront of the international response. We will continue to use all possible measures to target those who seek to facilitate and profit from the military's human rights violations. On 31st January, we announced our fourteenth tranche of targeted sanctions, to target companies and individuals who are responsible for supplying aviation fuel to the Myanmar Air Force. On 21 December 2022, the UN Security Council passed the first ever resolution, which was led by the UK, on the situation in Myanmar. led by the UK. The resolution highlighted the oppression faced by people across Myanmar, and demanded an end to violence and the release of all those arbitrarily detained. To end the culture of impunity in Myanmar, we have established the Myanmar Witness programme, which collects and preserves evidence of human rights violations for future prosecution.

Russia: Ukraine

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had, if any,with international partners about the Prime Minister of Israel acting as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government is playing a leading role driving the international response to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, regularly meeting and speaking with international partners, including Israel. It is for Ukraine to determine its position in any negotiations, just as it is for Ukraine to determine its democratic future. The UK, together with our partners, will continue to provide enduring diplomatic, military and economic support to Ukraine to ensure that it is in the best possible position to deliver a sustainable and just peace.

Ministry of Defence

Ascent: Contracts

Lord West of Spithead: To ask His Majesty's Government what is the total value of the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) contract with Ascent.

Baroness Goldie: The total value of the UK Military Flying Training System contract with Ascent is £3.5 billion.

USA: F-35 Aircraft

Lord West of Spithead: To ask His Majesty's Government how many UK owned F35B are stationed permanently in the US.

Lord West of Spithead: To ask His Majesty's Government howmany F35B are in 617 squadron; and how many are effectively in anOperational Control Unit or in trials.

Baroness Goldie: Of the 26 F-35B Lightning aircraft currently based at RAF Marham, 13 are allocated to 207 Squadron, eight are allocated to 617 Squadron and five are undergoing maintenance. A further three are based in the USA with 17 Squadron.

Fleet Solid Support Ships: Iron and Steel

Lord West of Spithead: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the steel for the Fleet Solid Support, Type 26 and Type 31 ships will be sourced from UK suppliers.

Baroness Goldie: I refer the noble Lord to the answers provided by my hon. Friend, the Minister for Defence Procurement (Alex Chalk), in the House of Commons on 22 November 2022 and 14 February 2023 to the right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey), in response to Question numbers 88822, 140032 and 140033.Fleet Solid Support Ships: Iron and Steel (docx, 21.8KB)Type 26 Frigates: Iron and Steel (docx, 18.1KB)

Ascent: Contracts

Lord West of Spithead: To ask His Majesty's Government how much they are payingAscent each year for ghost helicopter training courses without any student pilots on them.

Baroness Goldie: There are no 'ghost' helicopter training courses. There are, however, occasions when a course may be cancelled for a number of reasons, which could include a change in demand for student output or a slower than expected progress of students.  When reasons for course cancellation are directly related to Ascent, the company is not paid. When the reasons for course cancellation are Ministry of Defence related, Ascent are remunerated in accordance with contract terms.

Department for Work and Pensions

Labour Market and Welfare State: Older People

Lord Field of Birkenhead: To ask His Majesty's Government when they will report onreform of the welfare and labour market for the over 50s.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: The Government recognises the challenges faced by some aged 50 and over, which is why we are providing over £20m over the next three years for an enhanced offer for people aged 50 and over to remain in and return to work. This offer includes the introduction of 37 50PLUS Champions, more tailored support for claimants, and an expansion of the Midlife MOT.  Building on the Government’s existing package of support to help people start, stay and succeed in work, the Prime Minister has also tasked the Secretary of State to look in detail at the issue of workforce participation, and identify the barriers preventing people from joining the workforce or resulting in people leaving the workforce early.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Tennis: Northern Ireland

Baroness Hoey: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that (1) tennis clubs in Northern Ireland can participate in British tennis, and (2) tennis clubs can affiliate to both Tennis Ireland and the Lawn Tennis Association if they wish.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: The Lawn Tennis Association is the internationally recognised governing body for tennis in Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Tennis Ireland is the internationally recognised governing body for tennis in the Republic of Ireland and also has the responsibility for promoting and supporting tennis in Northern Ireland.It is not currently possible for a club to be affiliated to both Tennis Ireland and the Lawn Tennis Association. If a club in Northern Ireland wished to affiliate to the Lawn Tennis Association, that would be a matter for such a club to raise with the LTA directly. Dual affiliation would be a matter for each national governing body, and the International Tennis Federation, to agree.

Home Office

Home Office: Conduct

Lord Marlesford: To ask His Majesty's Government how many Home Office officials have been convicted of abuse of public office in each of the last 10 years; and how many of those have been given custodial sentences.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: Note: We have interpreted this question as referring to ‘Misconduct in Public Office’ (‘abuse of public office’ is not a criminal offence).In the last ten years there have been seven Home Office officials who have been convicted of Misconduct in Public Office. All received a custodial sentence and all were convicted before 2015. Since then, the Crown Prosecution Service have moved towards using more specific charges such as theft, assisting unlawful immigration and bribery.A breakdown for each year is provided below:YearConvicted of abuse of positionCustodial sentence received201233201311201411201522

Burglary

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the low clear up rate of home burglaries; and what steps they will take to address this.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: The Government recognises the significant impact invasive crimes such as home burglary can have on individuals and the wider community. That is why we established the Safer Streets Fund to help prevent these crimes from happening in the first place, supporting the deployment of solutions such as home security, increased streetlighting and CCTV in high crime areas.The Home Office is working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to encourage forces to learn from each other and share best practice, and in June 2022 the NPCC launched the Burglary Power App to help officers gather evidence and investigate burglaries.The Government welcomes the recent commitment given by Chief Constables and Commissioners across England and Wales that there should be police attendance at all home burglaries. We will work with the Residential Burglary Taskforce, National Police Chiefs' Council, HMICFRS and College of Policing to monitor and report on delivery against this.To ensure police forces have sufficient resources to respond to the challenges they face we have committed to recruit an extra 20,000 police officers by March 2023, with over already16,753 in place at the end of December 2022.The Home Office is working with partners across the criminal justice system to increase the number of cases being charged and prosecuted, and reduce the time taken to reach this point.

Asylum: Children

Lord Scriven: To ask His Majesty's Government how many unaccompanied children seeking asylum have been placed in hotels in the last 12 months; and of that number, how many have ever been identified as missing.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: The rise in the number of small boat crossings has placed significant pressures on local authority care placements for young people. Out of necessity, and with the best interests of the child in mind, we have had no alternative but to temporarily use hotels to give unaccompanied children a roof over their heads whilst local authority accommodation is found.The safety and welfare of those in our care, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC), is our primary concern and the Home Office has robust safeguarding procedures in place to ensure those in our accommodation are as safe and supported as possible as we seek urgent placements with a local authority. This includes support workers being onsite in the hotels 24 hours a day, alongside nurses and social workers. However, UASC are not detained and are free to leave the accommodation. All contingency sites have security staff and providers liaise closely with local police to ensure the welfare and safety of vulnerable residents.3658 UASC arrived and were temporarily accommodated in Home Office UASC Hotels in 2022 (Jan-Dec) whilst awaiting a transfer to a local authority. 404 young people have gone missing in this period, most of which have since been found. There are currently 199 young people missing from Home Office UASC hotels however, this is a live operational figure and subject to change.When a young person goes missing the ‘missing persons protocol’ is followed and led by our directly engaged social workers.The MARS (Missing After Reasonable Steps) protocol is followed for any looked after child who goes missing from a care setting, including the UASC hotels. When used correctly, similar protocols within police forces have safely reduced the number of missing episodes from placements by 36%.For any young person that goes missing from a UASC hotel, the local authority will convene a multi-agency forum including local police forces and the Home Office to seek to locate the child and ensure their safety.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Freeports: Industrial Relations

Baroness Adams of Craigielea: To ask His Majesty's Government whether existingtrade union and labour relations laws will operate inside freeport zones in the same way they operate outside of them.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: Freeports will maintain the UK's high standards with respect to workers' rights and Freeport areas are subject to the relevant legislation to ensure this, including relevant UK employment laws and protections.

Freeports: Staff

Baroness Adams of Craigielea: To ask His Majesty's Government how many employees at freeports in the UK are excluded from employer National Instance contributions under the Freeport Upper Secondary Threshold.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: There is a zero rate of secondary Class 1 national Insurance contributions on the earnings of new employees who spend 60% or more of their working time within Freeport tax sites. This rate can be applied on the earnings of all new hires up to £25,000 per annum from April 2022 and for 36 months per employee.

Freeports: Northern Ireland

Lord Kilclooney: To ask His Majesty's Government whether a Freeport can be identified in Northern Ireland while the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland is operational in its current form.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: This Government is committed to extending the benefits of our Freeports programme across the UK and continues to work with stakeholders from sectors and places across Northern Ireland on how best to do so.

Freeports: Staff

Baroness Adams of Craigielea: To ask His Majesty's Government how many employees currently work in each UK freeport; and how many (1) full, and (2) part, time jobs have been created in existing freeports in the UK.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: With the majority of English Freeports now fully up-and-running, we are starting to see them attract new investment to their regions. Following the construction of new facilities and infrastructure, this investment will deliver thousands of high-quality, long-term jobs for local communities. For example, SeAH Wind Ltd are investing £400 million in the Teesside Freeport to build an offshore wind manufacturing facility that will create around 1,500 jobs.That is just one example: English Freeports expect to create 130,000 direct and over 80,000 indirect jobs. On top of this, we recently announced two new Green Freeports in Scotland, which estimate they will create over 75,000 new, high-skilled jobs. These forecasts will be reviewed through a baselining exercise in early 2023 and performance against them tracked and reported on as part of the UK Freeports Programme Annual Report (attached). The next Annual Report is due to be published towards the end of this year.Annual Report  (pdf, 1160.3KB)

Combined Authorities and Mayors: Hampshire

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in delivering a combined authority and metro mayor for the Solent and Hampshire.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: In the Levelling Up White Paper the Government committed that by 2030, every part of England that wants one will have a devolution deal with powers at or approaching the highest level of devolution and a simplified, long-term funding settlement.We welcome the ambition demonstrated in the recent Pan-Hampshire Deal Prospectus and we look forward to working with local councils across Hampshire and the Solent.

Freeports: Job Creation and Population

Baroness Adams of Craigielea: To ask His Majesty's Government what additional support they have provided to local governments to supportadditional needs following (1) job creation, and (2) the movement or growth of population, in the areas around freeports.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: The Freeport policy model features a generous package of funding for local authorities to help them drive local regeneration, including by meeting local infrastructure and other needs. This encompasses £1 million of funding to support local capacity to deliver, £25 million of funding for local capital works, and potentially hundreds of millions of flexible funding through local retention of business rates, to be used in line with local priorities.

Combined Authorities and Mayors: Leicestershire

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in delivering a combined authority and metro mayor for Leicester and Leicestershire.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: In the Levelling Up White Paper the Government committed that by 2030, every part of England that wants one will have a devolution deal with powers at or approaching the highest level of devolution and a simplified, long-term funding settlement.   We thank Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland for their proposals and their work on this to date, which we are considering.

Freeports: Human Trafficking and Money Laundering

Baroness Adams of Craigielea: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to address concerns of criminality relating to (1) money laundering, or (2) people trafficking, in instances where a freeport islocated within an existing port approved location or within a freeport boundary with a variation from normal customs rules.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: The Freeports Programme monitoring and evaluation strategy (attached) sets out how the effectiveness and impact of the Freeport programme will be measured.A breakdown of the amount of jobs that English Freeports estimate they will contribute to can be found in the UK Freeports programme annual report (attached). In addition, we recently announced two new Green Freeports in Scotland, which estimate they will create over 75,000 new, high-skilled jobs. These forecasts will be reviewed through a baselining exercise in early 2024 and performance against them tracked and reported on through the Government's ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the programme (attached).With the majority of English Freeports now fully up-and-running, we are starting to see them attract new investment to their regions. More information about how Freeports deliver for the UK economy can be found in the UK Freeports programme annual report (attached).Freeport’s special customs status - which builds on facilitations available elsewhere in the UK - is available only on specific 'customs sites' within the wider Freeport footprint. These are secure sites administered by a specially authorised 'Customs Site Operator' or CSO. CSOs are required to obtain AEO(S) or equivalent authorisation from HMRC, an international gold standard for safety and security, and remain subject to robust ongoing oversight from HMRC. Freeports uphold the UK's high standards on security and preventing illicit activity. Monitoring and evaluation strategy (pdf, 648.8KB)Annual Report (pdf, 1155.7KB)

UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Baroness Randerson: To ask His Majesty's Government what mechanisms exist within the UK Shared Prosperity Fund toenable local authorities to work together andwith universities to bid for funding for research projects that require large-scale collaboration across regions or nations.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: UKSPF is being delivered by lead local authorities and universities can bid for funding locally, but there is no limit on the scale and scope of projects which can be delivered across regional and national borders.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Energy: Meters

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they had with Ofgem regarding their proposal to all energy companies to suspend the forced installation of prepayment meters.

Lord Callanan: Ofgem has asked all domestic energy suppliers to take immediate action and not install prepayment meters under warrant until they have provided assurances that they are in compliance with all relevant regulations and obligations. Ministers and officials have regular discussion with Ofgem on matters related to the energy retail market, including prepayment meters. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has written twice to Ofgem in the last 2 weeks, welcoming Ofgem’s focus on this issue and setting out expectations on the action to be taken where suppliers have not met the rules.

Small Modular Reactors: Contracts

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask His Majesty's Government what contractual commitments they have made to theconstructors of small modular nuclear reactors to date.

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the contractual contributions to theconstruction of small nuclear reactors that they will have made by 2025.

Lord Callanan: The Government has not made contractual commitments to the constructors of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and no SMR projects have yet reached Final Investment Decision (FID) or begun construction. However, the Government has committed up to £385m for R&D through the Advanced Nuclear Fund, including up to £210m for Rolls Royce SMR Ltd, to develop further their design for one of the world’s first Small Modular Reactors. In 2023, the Government intends to run a selection process to identify projects, including SMRs, that might reach FID in the next Parliament.

Small Modular Reactors: Wales

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Welsh Government regarding theconstruction of small modular nuclear reactors in that country.

Lord Callanan: The Government engages with a range of Welsh stakeholders, including the Welsh Government and Welsh Government-funded bodies, on nuclear issues including small modular reactors (SMRs).

Hospices: Energy

Lord Mendelsohn: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have met with representatives of the UK hospice sector specifically to discuss the impact of increased energy prices on hospices.

Lord Callanan: Discussions have taken place with a number of charities and businesses regarding increased energy costs and the Government is fully aware of the impact this is having on the hospice sector. This is why the Energy Bill Relief Scheme was introduced, shielding eligible non-domestic customers from soaring energy prices. Following an HMT-led review, the new Energy Bill Discount Scheme will run from April until March 2024, and continue to provide a discount to eligible non- domestic customers, including the hospice sector.

Cabinet Office

Civil Servants: Strikes

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what stepsthey are taking to prevent further strike action by civil servants.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe: The industrial dispute and subsequent strike action with the Public and Commercial Services Union concerns a number of issues including pay. While pay for grades below the Senior Civil Service is determined by individual departments and employers, we continue to engage with all Civil Service Trade Unions regarding cross Civil Service issues which are within the responsibilities of the Cabinet Office in attempting to help achieve a resolution.

Liz Truss

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock: To ask His Majesty's Government what is the forecasted annual cost of the provision to former Prime Minister Rt Hon Liz Truss MP of (1) acar and driver, and(2) security protection.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe: It has been the practice of successive Administrations not to comment on the security arrangements of protected individuals.

What Works Network: Finance

Baroness Morgan of Cotes: To ask His Majesty's Government what are the current funding levels for eachWhat Works Centre within the What Works Network.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe: The What Works Network helps deliver more effective and efficient public sector services by creating and sharing high-quality evidence to inform decisions by practitioners and policymakers.The 13 What Works Centres that comprise the network receive funding from a variety of sources, and departments and public bodies are major funders for many.The Education Endowment Foundation received a £125 million endowment in 2011 from the DfE, to be spent over 15 years. It received a subsequent £137 million endowment from DfE in 2022. It receives additional funding from the DfE and other parties as outlined in its annual report and financial statements. In the financial year ending March 2022, it reported £30.4 million in grants from DfE.The Youth Endowment Fund received a £200 million endowment in the Home Office in 2019, to be spent over 10 years. It receives additional funding from the Home Office (via a Centre of Excellence grant) and other parties as outlined in its annual report and financial statements.The Youth Futures Foundation received £90 million via the Dormant Assets Scheme in 2019, and a further £20 million via the scheme in 2022. It receives a small amount of other grant income as outlined in its annual report and financial statements – in 2021 this other grant income was approximately £21,000.The Centre for Homelessness Impact is primarily funded by an anonymous private donor. In the financial year ending June 2022, this total was £1.65 million. It receives additional funding from other parties – including DLUHC, MoJ, the Cabinet Office and the National Institute for Health Research – as outlined in its annual report and financial statements. In the financial year ending June 2022, this additional funding amounted to approximately £462,000.The Centre for Ageing Better received a £49.6 million endowment from the National Lottery Community Fund in 2014, to be spent over 15 years. It receives additional funding from other parties – including UKRI in the fiscal year ending March 2022 – as outlined in its Report of the Trustees and financial statements.The Wales Centre for Public Policy was awarded £9 million in 2022, to be spent over five years. Its core funders are the Economic and Social Research Council, the Welsh Government and Cardiff University.The What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and three government departments: BEIS, DLUHC, and DfT. It has received approximately £1.4 million per year under its current grant.Two centres – the Early Intervention Foundation and What Works for Children’s Social Care – have recently merged into one centre, which is operating as What Works for Early Intervention and Children’s Social Care. DfE has been the primary funder of both organisations historically, and plans to be the primary funder of this merged organisation in the future. The funding figures provided relate to the centres in their previous forms.What Works Children’s Social Care was primarily funded by the DfE. In the financial year ending March 2022, the grants it received from DfE totalled approximately £17.4 million.The Early Intervention Foundation received funding from multiple government departments and other funders, as outlined in its annual report and financial statements. In the financial year ending March 2022, it received approximately £2.4 million in restricted and unrestricted funding from its core cross-government grant, and approximately £184,000 from the Home Office.What Works Centre for Wellbeing receives funding from a wide range of sources. Its largest funder is the National Lottery Community Fund – in the financial year ending March 2022, it received approximately £357,000 from them. It does not receive significant public funding – in the financial year ending March 2022, it received approximately £81,000 from DCMS.The Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education is primarily funded by the Office for Students, who’ve supported the centre with £4.5 million over 4 years since 2019.Finally, there are three What Works Centres which sit within professional, arms-length or non-departmental public bodies. These are:The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)The What Works Centre for Crime Reduction (part of the College of Policing)The Money and Pensions ServiceSmaller What Works Centre functions sit within each of these larger organisations. The Cabinet Office does not have information regarding the precise funding levels available for the What Works sub-teams within these larger organisations, but the aggregate funding levels for these organisations should be accessible in the public domain.

Treasury

Agriculture: Environment Protection

Lord Crathorne: To ask His Majesty's Government whether land that has been taken out of agricultural production for an environmental scheme or project will be eligible for (1) Agricultural Property Relief, or (2) equivalent relief.

Baroness Penn: The availability of relief is a question of fact and degree to be decided upon the particular facts of each case. Land that has been taken out of agricultural production over an extended period for an environmental scheme or project is unlikely to qualify for agricultural property relief from inheritance tax. However, owner-occupiers may continue to benefit from business property relief if the land is still used in the business and the overall business is not one of wholly or mainly making or holding investments.

Sterling: Digital Technology

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the Bank of England regarding the development of a "digital pound"; and what assessment they have made of the impact of a digital pound on the financial system in the UK.

Baroness Penn: HM Treasury and the Bank of England have engaged extensively through the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Taskforce on the subject of a potential digital pound. HM Treasury and the Bank of England this February issued a joint consultation on a potential digital pound in the UK. This is the latest milestone in our work on a digital pound. It marks the end of the research and exploration phase, and the beginning of a design phase of work. HM Treasury and the Bank of England have announced that a UK central bank digital currency, the digital pound, is likely to be needed in the future. It is too early to commit to build the infrastructure for one, but we are convinced that further preparatory work is justified. The digital pound would be a new form of sterling, similar to a digital banknote, issued by the Bank of England. It would be available to be used by households and businesses for their everyday payments needs – used in-store, online and to make payments to family and friends. The consultation considers the potential implications for the financial system, and for monetary and financial stability.

Public Sector: Carbon Emissions

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to enforce the incorporation of whole-life carbon into the costing of all public sector investment and spending decisions.

Baroness Penn: The Green Book sets out that all policies, programmes, and projects must be developed and assessed against how well they deliver on the Government’s policy objectives such as net zero. As with all policies His Majesty’s Government keeps this regularly under review. In January 2023, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, published an updated Supplementary Guidance to the Green Book to reflect the latest evidence and the UK’s net zero target. Departments use these values in the Green Book to estimate a monetary value of the greenhouse gas impact of policy proposals during design and after delivery. Departments must also consider material impacts on climate resilience and natural capital where relevant, in line with supplementary guidance from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. The Infrastructure and Projects Authority also published the Construction Playbook to provide guidance on sourcing and contracting public works projects and programmes, including for assessing whole life carbon costs.

Married People: Tax Allowances

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the total amount of backdated marriage allowance payments that have been paid in (1) 2022, (2) 2021, (3) 2020, and (4) 2019; and what estimate they have made of how much has not yet been claimed.

Baroness Penn: The information requested is not readily available to HMRC and could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.

Financial Services: Visual Impairment

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking tosupport financial inclusion for blind and partially-sighted people.

Baroness Penn: The Government works closely with regulators, industry, and consumer groups to promote financial inclusion. The Economic Secretary recently invited the Royal Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to attend the latest Financial Inclusion Policy Forum for a discussion of accessibility issues and consideration of what further action can be taken. The Government is also currently legislating to protect access to cash, while many firms offer services to make everyday banking and payments interfaces, including ATMs and Point of Sale terminals, more accessible for consumers. Importantly, all service providers, including banks and building societies are bound under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments, where necessary, in the way they deliver their services.